Believers in God cannot be silent

Charles W. Hedrick's Nov. 5 column in the News-Leader, "Our nation is secular; get over it," made a gratuitous assertion that should be refuted.

He states, "America is not governed by religious dogma - which no doubt must irritate the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in America." As the local representative of said hierarchy, I must state unequivocally that while the first part of this statement is true, the second assertion is false. In my 23 years as a priest, and five as a bishop, I have never heard any bishop or priest advance or propose establishing a theocracy.

Regrettably, it is still quite common, and even socially acceptable in some circles, to caricature Catholics in this way.

Catholics, and most other people of religious faith, simply wish to exercise their rightful place in the public square to propose ideas, solutions and positions that contribute to the common good of the nation.

People may disagree over whether God exists or not, but for those who believe He does exist and take Him seriously, remaining silent is not an option.

Christian faith is always personal but never private - which has always irritated some.

The Rev. James V. Johnston Jr. is bishop of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Diocese.

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Believers in God cannot be silent

The Rev. James V. Johnston Jr. Springfield Charles W. Hedrick's Nov. 5 column in the News-Leader, 'Our nation is secular; get over it,' made a gratuitous assertion that should be refuted. He states,